In 2011 Colorado received a one-year system of care expansion planning grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop a blueprint for expanding the approach statewide. The system of care model is a noncategorical approach to improving and integrating services and supports for children and youth with serious behavioral health challenges and their families. Colorado will focus on children with serious behavioral health challenges from birth through age 25 who are in, or at imminent risk of, out of home placement. Colorado's plan centers on developing local community-based service systems supported by a state-level steering committee of the Behavioral Health Transformation Council. Key features of Colorado's system include individualized and culturally and linguistically relevant services and supports facilitated by an intensive care coordination model known as high fidelity wraparound. Colorado will be developing trauma-informed services and family advocates to assist families whose children are experiencing difficulties. Colorado will test a model of service delivery known as a care management entity, which will blend funds, integrate services and supports, and provide accountability for care across systems.
